Abstract
Finite element analysis (FEA) of a hot stamping process demands the implementation of accurate material properties and boundary conditions to precisely predict and evaluate the post-form quality of a component. A software agnostic platform was developed to provide cloud FEA of a hot stamping process in three stages, namely, pre-FE modelling, FE simulation and post-FE evaluation. When the desired materials and process window were uploaded on the platform, the flow stress, material properties, interfacial heat transfer coefficient (IHTC) and friction coefficient were predicted by the model-driven functional modules and then generated in the form of compatible packages that could be implemented into the desired FE software. Subsequently, the FE simulation was performed either locally or remotely on the developed platform. When the simulated evolutionary thermomechanical characteristics of the formed component were uploaded, the formability, quenching efficiency and post-form strength could be predicted and then demonstrated on a dedicated visualiser on the developed platform. Cloud FEA of two different hot stamping technologies was conducted to demonstrate the function of the developed platform, showing an error of less than 10%.
Highlights
Finite element analysis (FEA) software is capable of providing solutions for metal forming processes and optimising the process window without considerable physical efforts [1,2,3]
The simulated temperature evolution as a function of forming time for each element was uploaded in the functional module, Tool-Maker, which superimposed the uploaded curves onto the cooling precipitation (CCP) diagram of AA6082 [24]
A software agnostic platform integrated by the model-driven functional modules was developed in the present research to provide cloud FEA of hot stamping of a compact M-shaped component and a bulk door inner component made from AA6082
Summary
Finite element analysis (FEA) software is capable of providing solutions for metal forming processes and optimising the process window without considerable physical efforts [1,2,3]. The critical quenching rate has to be met to avoid the intersection between the temperature evolutions and continuous cooling precipitation (CCP) diagram of the material to achieve the desired microstructure and post-form strength [7, 17]. Those advanced evaluation criteria of the formed components essential to the hot stamping processes could be computed by post-processing the simulated results in the FE software or user-defined subroutines [18,19,20]. In order to demonstrate the function and accuracy of the developed platform, cloud FEA of hot stamping of a 6082 aluminium alloy was performed and experimentally verified
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
